Breast reduction - criteria for NHS funding

• NHS funding of breast reduction
  • because breast reduction is usually done to improve appearance rather than health, it is not normally available on the NHS
    • NHS will not pay for surgery for cosmetic reasons alone
    • in order to to receive cosmetic surgery from the NHS, a patient will require referral from her GP
      • a referred patient will have to have a consultation with a plastic surgeon and possibly an assessment by a psychiatrist or psychologist
        • will consider whether there is enough social, psychological or physical benefit to justify surgery, for example if your breasts are causing you significant pain or mental health problems
        • final decision is usually made at a meeting by a panel run by your primary care funding organisation
          • panel will take into account the information from your assessments and review your individual case

Reference:

• NHS choices website - breast reduction (accessed 9/9/10)